Hoyer Floor Statement on Iran Sanctions

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke on the House Floor today in support of the Iran Threat Reduction Act and the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Reform and Modernization Act. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Last month, the IAEA released a report on Iran’s covert nuclear program that was greatly troubling. Not only is Iran continuing to enrich uranium, but they are also believed to be pursuing the development of delivery technologies to create a warhead that could threaten Israel and our allies in Europe and the Persian Gulf – and of course the many Americans serving and living in the region.

"On top of these dangerous risks, Iran’s continued nuclear development runs the risk of launching a nuclear arms race. Indeed, just last week, a former Saudi ambassador to the United States, Prince Turki al-Faisal, confirmed our worst fears, suggesting that his country might begin to pursue a nuclear capability in response to Iranian nuclear developments.

"Iran has continued its sponsorship of terrorism against our ally Israel and carries out gross human rights abuses against its own people. Sanctions against Iran’s energy, transportation, and financial sectors are intended to make clear to Iran the steep costs of its choices. That is why I support the Iran Threat Reduction Act and the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Reform and Modernization Act, and I urge my colleagues to vote yes on both."